A new multi-million pound rollercoaster featuring a UK first will be built at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the amusement park owners have revealed.

The £16.25 million ride, which is currently being referred to as Construction 2018, will reach heights of 88.5ft, feature drops of up to 82ft and hit speeds of up 80km/h (49mph).

It will also feature the UK's first-ever use of a double-launch, in which thrill-seekers are propelled forward at high speed at the start and then halfway through the two-and-a-half-minute experience.

Nick Thompson, deputy managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, said they have been working on the concept of the new ride for five years and are "delighted" to reveal their plans.

"Construction 2018 will be fast, adrenaline-fuelled and exhilarating, but also smooth and comfortable - an entirely new ride experience," he said.

"It sees a significant investment in Blackpool Pleasure Beach. We expect to see thrillseekers flock to the park to experience this UK ride first."

The rollercoaster, which will run on a 1.14km track, is being manufactured by Mack Rides at their factory in Waldkirch, Germany, where they are utilising the latest state-of-the-art engineering processes.

Once fully operational, riders will experience the same levels of G force as felt by the driver of a Formula 1 car and launch acceleration which is four times higher than in a Lamborghini Gallardo.

It will also pass through, around, under and over five existing rides at the site, which the company said will create a "unique experience".

The seaside complex's managing director Amanda Thompson said the new ride "follows in the long tradition" the park has of "investing in fantastic rides and bringing first-of-their-kind rollercoasters to the UK".

"Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the world's most ride-intensive amusement park, is home to the UK's first looping coaster, Revolution, and, at the time it was built, the world's tallest and fastest rollercoaster The Big One," she said.

"I'm delighted to be able to continue this tradition and bring such a thrilling ride to the UK."

The ride is expected to open in spring 2018, with the official name of the rollercoaster set to be revealed later this year.